Two 58s a century apart

[ligonierbill]

Here are two 58 bore rifles, the originals of which would be about 100 years apart. Top is a Chambers Edward Marshall (1760?), below a late period Hawken (1860?). Almost exactly the same length. The Hawken weighs about 6 oz more, probably due to the swamped barrel on its older cousin. The Marshall has a 37" barrel vs. 36" for the Hawken, but the patent breach adds an inch.

The lighting doesn't pick up the figure, which is a bit better on the Marshall, but note it was stained with Laurel Mountain maple vs. aqua fortis for the Hawken. I wanted it darker, and I got it.

I know the Marshall shoots pretty good. I have yet to shoot the Hawken, but a shootoff is imminent.